GettingOut — how to message an incarcerated loved one.

What is GettingOut?

GettingOut is a communications platform operated by ViaPath Technologies (formerly known as GTL — Global Tel Link). It's used in many state prison systems and county jails across the U.S. as an alternative to Securus.

Through GettingOut, you can:

• Send text messages to your incarcerated loved one
• Send and receive photos at facilities that allow it
• Schedule video visits at supported facilities
• Deposit money to their commissary or phone account

Every state and facility configures GettingOut differently. Some allow photos; some don't. Some allow video visits; many don't. Your dashboard at Jeff's Second Family will tell you what's available for your specific match.

Setting up GettingOut

1. Go to gettingout.com or download the GettingOut app (iOS or Android).
2. Click Sign Up and create a free account. You'll need an email and a password.
3. Verify your identity. GettingOut requires identity verification before you can fund your account or message inmates. This typically means uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID. The verification can take a few hours to a day.
4. Add your inmate as a contact. Search by their state and ID number (e.g., TDCJ Offender ID for Texas, or whatever ID format their state uses).
5. Add funds to your GettingOut account. Different services (messaging, video visits, deposits) draw from this balance.
6. Wait for the inmate to accept your contact. Most facilities require approval from their end before messaging works.

Pricing — what GettingOut costs

GettingOut prices vary significantly by facility. Each correctional system negotiates its own contract with ViaPath, so the exact cost per message depends on where your inmate is.

Once you select your inmate's facility, GettingOut will show you exact pricing for messaging there. Watch for the funding fees — they can add up if you make many small deposits. Better to add a larger amount once than top up frequently.

Sending messages on GettingOut

The messaging interface on GettingOut is similar to email. Type your message, optionally attach a photo, hit send. Most facilities allow messages of up to 3,000-5,000 characters, but this varies — your dashboard will show you the limit when you start typing.

Delivery times

Messages are reviewed by facility staff before being delivered to the inmate's tablet. Typical delivery: 24-72 hours. Some facilities are faster (same-day); some are slower (up to a week during high-volume periods).

What inmates see

The inmate receives messages on their tablet (most facilities) or at a kiosk (older systems). They read your message, can save it for later, and respond — typically using stamps or credits on their own GettingOut account. They cannot message you first; they can only reply to messages you've initiated.

Photo and content rules

The same content restrictions apply across all prison messaging platforms. Avoid:

• Nudity, suggestive content, or anything sexual in nature
• Photos depicting alcohol, drugs, or weapons
• Gang signs, gang colors, or known affiliations
• Photos with other current inmates or co-defendants
• Discussion of the inmate's pending legal case or testimony
• References to other inmates or specific staff members by name
• Coded language or anything that could appear to be coordinating illegal activity

If a message or photo gets rejected, the cost is generally not refunded. Read once before sending.

Video visits on GettingOut

Where supported, GettingOut also offers scheduled video visits — typically 15-30 minute sessions over webcam. Video visits aren't free, and they're not always available; many facilities only allow them for family members already on a pre-approved visitor list.

For pen-pal correspondences through Jeff's Second Family, video visits are not part of the ministry's standard practice. Stick to written correspondence — it's safer, more sustainable, and aligns better with the rhythm of a slowly-built friendship.

Common problems and fixes

"My identity verification keeps failing"

The most common reason is poor lighting or angle on your ID photo. Take it on a flat surface in bright natural light. If GettingOut's automated check fails twice, you can usually escalate to manual review through customer support: gettingout.com/contact-us.

"I deposited money but my balance is wrong"

Some funds are restricted to specific services (e.g., a deposit might be for the inmate's commissary, not your messaging balance). Check the deposit type when funding. If you're sure the deposit was correct, contact GettingOut customer service with your transaction ID.

"My contact request is stuck on Pending"

You can't message until the inmate approves your contact request from their tablet. If it's been more than a week, the most likely reasons are: they haven't checked their tablet, the facility had tablet system issues, or they've declined the request. Reach out via another channel (phone, mail) to confirm.

"My message was rejected and I don't know why"

You'll typically receive a notification with the rejection reason. Common ones: content flagged by automated review, attachment couldn't be processed, mention of another inmate. Cost isn't refunded. Rewrite without the flagged element and try again.

When GettingOut isn't the right platform

If your inmate's facility doesn't use GettingOut, here are the alternatives:

• Securus eMessaging — the most common state-system platform (including Texas)
• TextBehind — used by many county jails and digital-mail-only state systems
• CORRLINKS — federal Bureau of Prisons
• Direct USPS mail — works at most facilities, slower but reliable

Your dashboard at Jeff's Second Family tells you exactly which platform applies for your matched inmate.